The Norbertines or the Order of Premontre is a religious community of priests and brothers founded by St. Norbert of Xanten in the 12th century. The order is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Rule of St. Augustine, which emphasizes the importance of community life and service to others.
Norbertines are not monks in the traditional sense, nor are they diocesan priests. Rather, they live in community and collaborate in ministry to the local church. This can include work in parishes, schools, hospitals, and other apostolates.
The Norbertine experience of community is based on five key beliefs. The first is Eucharistic communio, which emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist in building community and imparting God's love to others. The second is daily conversion, which involves continually conforming one's life to the cross of peace and encouraging others to do the same.
The third is the importance of working for peace, both within the community and in the wider world. This involves daily efforts to reconcile with others and bear witness to Christ's mercy.
The fourth is open doors, which means welcoming others into the community and sharing the richness of communal life through hospitality and prayer. Finally, unguarded hearts emphasizes the importance of honesty and openness in community life, even in times of conflict or disagreement.
Norbertines strive to live out these principles in their daily lives, seeking to build a community of love and service to God's people. They are known for their commitment to the liturgy and prayer, particularly the celebration of the Mass and the chanting of the Divine Office. Overall, the Norbertine Order offers a unique model of religious life that is both active and contemplative.